Just saw The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

[Andrew Allsbury]

I have been impressed many times by the quality of projects with little to no budget, I think recreating a scene from the girl with the dragon tattoo should be possible with the right knowledge and gear.

 

[Brian Iannone]

I wanted to add a a follow-up comment to my previous posts.

I wrote what I did because I don't want people like Michael to get an unrealistic idea about the images their Scarlets are going to produce. The camera by itself is enormously important, however the post-production work that you run your footage through, in my opinion, is equally as important. I don't want people to watch films like GWDT and think that they're going to point their Scarlet at something and have footage that looks like a scene out of the movie. I'm trying to avoid people getting disappointed later. The footage from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo went through a lot of processing. Think about all the color grading alone that was done on it. Sure you can do the same if you're qualified enough and know what you're doing. But, I don't think every single person who ordered a Scarlet can do that. So, I don't want them getting unrealistic ideas.

Of course, now with software like REDCINE-X and Resolve, it's easier than ever to make your footage look like it came from a movie. EPIC users do stuff like that all day long, because they are making movies. However, I think that Scarlet users are in a slightly different category. We are people who are still learning. People who are just starting off with RED. We are people who are shooting small indie-projects now without a huge team of post-production specialists.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Björn Benckert]

Yeah and I'll make Bilbo the Hobbit in my backyard.

I agree, Fincher could probably done it almost as good with his iPhone. It does take more than a good camera to make great

 

[Brian Iannone]

I agree, finches could probably done it almost as good with his iPhone. It does take more than a good camera to make great

Actually, Benoît-Joan was being ironic...

 

[Hector Berrebi]

I wanted to add a a follow-up comment to my previous posts.

I wrote what I did because I don't want people like Michael to get an unrealistic idea about the images their Scarlets are going to produce. The camera by itself is enormously important, however the post-production work that you run your footage through, in my opinion, is equally as important. I don't want people to watch films like GWDT and think that they're going to point their Scarlet at something and have footage that looks like a scene out of the movie. I'm trying to avoid people getting disappointed later. The footage from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo went through a lot of processing. Think about all the color grading alone that was done on it. Sure you can do the same if you're qualified enough and know what you're doing. But, I don't think every single person who ordered a Scarlet can do that. So, I don't want them getting unrealistic ideas.

Of course, now with software like REDCINE-X and Resolve, it's easier than ever to make your footage look like it came from a movie. EPIC users do stuff like that all day long, because they are making movies. However, I think that Scarlet users are in a slightly different category. We are people who are still learning. People who are just starting off with RED. We are people who are shooting small indie-projects now without a huge team of post-production specialists.

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

you are wrong

the Scarlet I ordered cost me 17K with a basic shooting kit, that's without any lens.
that is not a camera for "people who are still learning" and definitely not an ideal tool for small indi projects (define small BTW)

it is actually quite over qualified for most professional work done world wide (though not always the right tool)

the camera you were thinking of is maybe FS100 or DSLRs or the likes
even DV had a blast for a while in that category (and even shot a few well known feature films)

and i think you should look into film schools... you'll have fun, and learn a lot

hector

 

[Brian Iannone]

you are wrong

the Scarlet I ordered cost me 17K with a basic shooting kit, that's without any lens.
that is not a camera for "people who are still learning" and definitely not an ideal tool for small indi projects (define small BTW)

it is actually quite over qualified for most professional work done world wide (though not always the right tool)

the camera you were thinking of is maybe FS100 or DSLRs or the likes
even DV had a blast for a while in that category (and even shot a few well known feature films)

and i think you should look into film schools... you'll have fun, and learn a lot

hector

Hi Hector. Thanks for correcting me. I suppose I'm the anomaly. I'm 18 years old, I haven't been to film school and I'm a person who's still learning, yet I'm buying a Scarlet.

From now on, I won't be so quick to assume things. I also won't place others in the same situation that I'm in.

I apologize again, everyone.

Also, I think I may attend a summer film school program. I agree in that I'd learn a lot and that it would probably be quite fun. =)

 

[Michael Millichamp]

A Scarlet is definitely not a starting camera, and for someone with the write skills and mindset, it can produce images almost exactly like the images from the Epic. (5K Epic, 4k Scarlet difference)

And I do not believe at ALL recreating a shot is bad in anyway. It teaches you lighting. If you want to be a DP, then what I find to be a good idea, is watch movies by you favorite DP(s) and examine how they handle mood, texture, depth and light in a particular movie(s). Roger Deakins and Jeff Cronenweth are my favorite DPs working today, and I have learned so much from them, watching their shots closely, and watching behind the scenes. The style I often shoot my movies in, is a dark, realistic setting, and i personally think Roger and Jeff are masters at doing that. They utilize what they have and don't over due it or get too fancy.

just my 2 cent on the whole thing.

 

[Hector Berrebi]

Hi Hector. Thanks for correcting me. I suppose I'm the anomaly. I'm 18 years old, I haven't been to film school and I'm a person who's still learning, yet I'm buying a Scarlet.

From now on, I won't be so quick to assume things. I also won't place others in the same situation that I'm in.

I apologize again, everyone.

Also, I think I may attend a summer film school program. I agree in that I'd learn a lot and that it would probably be quite fun. =)

don't sweat it Brian

actually i can relate. when i was 17 i bought my first serious camera, i worked my ass for it for 2 years, saving every penny i had.
a VX1 (VX3 in the states)... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_CCD-VX3
sony's first prosumer models, it was 3 chip and Hi8 and at the time cost me a small fortune. i felt so stupid when six months later DV came out (VX1000 i think) and my camera was totally obsolete, i saved money for so long its life sicle ended... somehow it even still works.

if i had internet back then... and camera forums... and my first camera would have been a Scarlet... man, i almost envy you.



i think film school should be done right, not as a summer thing. for so many reasons... your choice though...
i know it took me years to make that decision

hector

 

[Brian Iannone]

don't sweat it Brian

actually i can relate. when i was 17 i bought my first serious camera, i worked my ass for it for 2 years, saving every penny i had.
a VX1 (VX3 in the states)... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sony_CCD-VX3
sony's first prosumer models, it was 3 chip and Hi8 and at the time cost me a small fortune. i felt so stupid when six months later DV came out (VX1000 i think) and my camera was totally obsolete, i saved money for so long its life sicle ended... somehow it even still works.

if i had internet back then... and camera forums... and my first camera would have been a Scarlet... man, i almost envy you.



i think film school should be done right, not as a summer thing. for so many reasons... your choice though...
i know it took me years to make that decision

hector

Thank you.

 

[Arnold F.]

Based on all the people I've met who attended film school, in my years in the business, I have concluded its good for SOME people who wish to do SOME things. I've seen many people waste (sometimes a lot of) money on film school that would have been better spent on gear and/or paying rent while actually working on set (or in post, as one's interest may dictate).

 

[Brian Iannone]

Based on all the people I've met who attended film school, in my years in the business, I have concluded its good for SOME people who wish to do SOME things. I've seen many people waste (sometimes a lot of) money on film school that would have been better spent on gear and/or paying rent while actually working on set (or in post, as one's interest may dictate).

I see. But, aren't there some basics that absolutely have to be learned in film school that may be tricky learning another way?

 

[Enrique Blein]

Film school gives you a chance to build your own criteria. Some times professionals who only know freelance work, do not get the opportunity to build it since they are just trying to please their clients from a very early age. Then again, it's not an absolute must...

 

[Arnold F.]

I see. But, aren't there some basics that absolutely have to be learned in film school that may be tricky learning another way?

The answer to that question is the subject of a long and potentially contentious thread all it's own. I will re-phrase your question to make it answerable:

Are there things you can learn in film school that you can't learn while interning/working in production or post?

No.

The question is whether your circumstances recommend it or not. Considerations include your field of interest, your money, your time. You may PM me if you would like more specificity (from my point of view, of course).

 

[Arnold F.]

Enrique, my suspicion is that I'm not reading your post the way you intended.

Film school gives you a chance to build your own criteria. Some times professionals who only know freelance work, do not get the opportunity to build it since they are just trying to please their clients from a very early age. Then again, it's not an absolute must...

 

[Jeffrey T. Morgan]

"Can't wait to recreate those beautiful shots with my scarlet!!!"

Me too!

"LOL. I wanted to post a similar reply when I first read this thread, but I didn't. Thank you for bringing a realistic view in here. =) "

It's not always about budget....I've created beautiful imagery with zero dollars before, haven't you? I'm not attacking you, just not sure I like the way you extinguished Michael's enthusiasm with your post. Or did I read that wrong?

+1

Beat me to it, good for you!

 

[Brian Iannone]

Thanks Arnold and Enrique for the replies regarding film school. =)

 

[Corey Smith]

Thanks Arnold and Enrique for the replies regarding film school. =)

Brian, watch Dov Simens 2-Day Film School on DVD. It's amazing. Learn the technical stuff on your own. This set covers pretty much everything you need to know and stuff you didn't even know you needed to know in about 17 hours. I watched his set and it's amazing. He even scoffs at 4 year film schools and often times they have hard time getting jobs simply BECAUSE they went to a 4 year school, believe it or not. Quotes from people who have taken his 2 day film school (be prepared to be yelled at a lot when you watch, but it's hilarious):

"INSPIRATION…Why waste 4 years at a film school? I got Dov's…Film School, shot 'Reservoir Dogs" [and] "Pulp Fiction," and launched my career as a writer who controls his scripts." - QUENTIN TARANTINO,
Writer & Director of "Kill Bill"

"ENLIGHTENING…After the 2-Day Film School was given in London, I partnered with Matt Vaughn and Trudy Styler [and] launched my career...Thank you, Dov." - GUY RITCHIE,
Director of "Snatch,"
"Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels"

"I've produced and distributed over 400 films and have never known anyone who teaches filmmaking better than Dov." - ROGER CORMAN

"SPECTACULAR…The greatest film course ever." - THE SYDNEY TIMES


Christopher Nolan, writer/director of Inception and The Dark Knight also took his course as well as Will Smith, etc. Here's the link:
http://dovsimensfilmschool.com/homepage.html

 

[Brian Iannone]

Wow. Thanks for the link Corey! It looks great!

 

[Corey Smith]

Thank you.

No problem, man! The guy is a BRILLIANT teacher and he's very entertaining to watch. He cracked me up a lot, especially when he's randomly yell at his students who each paid hundreds to be there....lol...and then go right back into a very calm talking manner. He makes sure you understand and GET his points. He's no nonsense. He's brutally realistic and gives it to you straight.

Hope it helps you! If I ever become a known filmmaker I will for sure give some credit to Dov.

 

[Steve Das]

...The guy is a BRILLIANT teacher and he's very entertaining to watch...

Brilliant and Dov Simens are 2 words that are quite a stretch. He doesn't even market himself that way.
Entertaining...hmm..maybe..if your idea of entertaining is a manic guy yelling out old time Hollywood cliche's...

watch the trailer and you'll see Dov shouts out these 2 pearls of wisdom:
"It's called Show Business...It's not called Show Art"
http://www.imdb.com/video/wab/vi4083548697/

...And..that's pretty much his schtick..if you watched that you just
saved yourself $400 in Dov DVD's and 16 hours of...Dov Talk = Yelling and Shouting.